Municipal Court

The Hanover Municipal Court shares services with the Township of East Hanover Municipal Court.

Mission Statement

We are an independent branch of government constitutionally entrusted with the fair and just resolution of disputes in order to preserve the rule of law and to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States and this State.

Core Values

Independence

Fairness

Integrity

Quality Service

Application for the Public Defender

Applications for the Public Defender are available at the Violations Bureau or you will find it under Forms: Financial Questionnaire. If the potential penalty of the charge represents serious consequence, such as Jail time, loss of license or a potential fine of $800 or more you may want to be represented by an Attorney or the Public Defender. If you wish to apply for the Public Defender, complete the application in its entirety and bring to court. The Judge will review your request. If the judge approves the Public Defender to represent you, you may be required to pay a fee of not more than $200 mandated by the State.

Payments

If you make a payment in person, fines may be paid in cash, money order or check. Hanover Municipal Court accepts credit cards at the window.

Payment by mail may be made by money order or check, please do not send cash in the mail.

ADA Coordinator

Please advise the municipal court office in advance if you require an ADA accommodation.

Interpreter

If you need the service of an interpreter, please notify the municipal court prior to your court appearance.

Expedited Expungement

If you are charged with a disorderly persons offense, petty disorderly persons offense, or a municipal ordinance violation, and those charges are either dismissed, you are acquitted, or your case is discharged without a conviction or finding of guilt, you may be eligible for an expedited expungement pursuant to NJ.S.A. 2C:52-6. For more information and to determine if you are eligible, you may inquire with the municipal court at the time of disposition.

Mediation

Mediation is a confidential, structured, non-adversarial process that allows a neutral third party to assist disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable solution. The mediation process can be a less expense, informal, and more meaningful alternative than the traditional trial process. This is because of the efforts of trained volunteers and resolution being decided by the participants. The court will refer appropriate cases to mediation.